"Betty and family, Please accept our deepest condolences. We thought so highly of Larry and the man of God that he was. A devoted and proud husband, father, friend, firefighter, and police officer. You will be greatly missed by all those who know you. Our lives were blessed knowing you. May God bless your family now and in the days ahead. Love, Steve & Mary Walters and family"
In loving memory of
Larry S. Walker Sr.
December 8, 1947 - August 8, 2018
Larry S. Walker, Sr. peacefully passed away at Methodist Hospital on August 8, 2018 at 5:13 pm with his wife at his side. After his two-year, one month and one day battle with cancer, God called him home. He was born to Henry Richard Walker, Sr. and Laura Ruth Hynes Walker on December 8, 1947 in Indianapolis, IN. He accepted Christ as his personal savior and was a faithful member of Living God Church of Worship where he and his family served the Lord. Larry graduated from the historic Crispus Attucks High School in 1966. Larry was drafted into the United States Army and served in Germany. Later, making it a career, serving twenty-six (26) years in the Army Reserves. On July 7, 1971, he joined the Indianapolis Fire Department giving service of forty-six (46) years, retiring on December 20, 2016 as the Executive Officer at Battalion #4. He served as Captain at Station #31, with previous service at Stations #5, #13, #22 and #23, as well as the physical fitness coordinator for the department in the late 1980's. Sitting behind a desk and administering physical fitness assessments was not enough "action" for him so he impetuously returned to fighting fire which he says "was the reason for joining."
Larry received a B.S. Degree in Physical Education from Indiana University, Bloomington. While at IU he became a member of the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In 1991, he was inducted into the Indianapolis Police Department serving twenty-seven (27) years and was currently a reserve, active duty lieutenant until his passing. Larry was a member of the Fall Creek Officials Association where he officiated several sports. He coached AAU and shared the basketball bench with his wife, Betty, for 20 years in the (MSD) of Wayne Township. Larry also worked as the Fire Marshall and police security for the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse and Bankers Life Fieldhouse. He provided services during special events such as Pam AM Games, NCAA, Super Bowl, Big Ten, Colts games, Indiana Black Expo and various others. Larry ran in the Indianapolis Mini Marathon for many years finishing in style! He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, American Legion and the Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association. He was a drill sergeant and mentor for the Beautillion Militaire annually presented by Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and The 100 Black Men. Larry and his wife were season ticket holders for IU basketball and loved all sports! They were presented "The Greatest Coach" award at Fulton Jr. High in 2002. Larry enjoyed his fine art collection of Buffalo Soldiers and their home is adorned with his historic model fire engines and police cruisers. If his wife, Betty needed any supplies for her students at the school, he was always willing to bring it to them. He was currently providing police security for local schools and churches and had created lasting learning and spiritual relationships.
Larry leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Betty Jean Jackson Walker of thirty (30) years, four (4) daughters, Carmen L. Walker of Washington, CT, Brittany J. Walker and Bethany R. Walker of Indianapolis, and Benevolent M. Walker of Fayetteville, GA; one (1) son, Larry S. Walker, Jr. of Indianapolis; three (3) sisters, Birdie C. Johnson, Patricia M. Jones and Marceline E. Jones all of Indianapolis; two (2) brothers, Henry R. Walker, Jr. and John F. Walker (Lorraine) both of Indianapolis, nine (9) grandchildren, Courtnee C. Young, Emory S. Young, Jr., Morgan M. Young, Chelsea M. Walker-Young, Larry S. Walker III, Teray N. Bush, Robert J. Walker, Sean M. Walker and one (1) great-grandson, Emrys S. Young. You would always see his bright, beautiful smile and he passed that on to his children. Larry had great supportive, loving in-laws: JoAnn Jackson Mathews (deceased), Jimmie (Rosie) Jackson, Nora Seay, Mary (Willie) Brewer, Tommie (Sylvia) Jackson, Willie Jackson (deceased), Teola Hegwood, Carol (Willie) Madlock, and Sherry Jackson. He was surrounded by a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Laura Walker, one sister; Stephanie and husband, Gary Roberson.
Tributes
"Big Brother how I miss and love you, your smile and positive attitude was a delight to be around. Your protection as a big brother and kindness when I was small did not go unnoticed and earned a special place in my heart. Thank you for the many words of encouragements and your swag and love for the finer things was also who you were?. You were a blessed godly man who loved your wife and family and I know your reward in heaven is Great. I could go on and on about your greatness. I thought you were special, but our God knows you were. Love you Big Bro."
"We remember Larry as a warm and very personable person; the same whenever or wherever we met him. Missionary Dr. DeLores P. McGavock-Gordon and Brother Haysting Gordon Church of the Living God, C.W.F.F."
"I was saddened to hear about the loss of my brother and our family member. I know that Larry will always be remembered as an excellent father, husband, brother, relative and how fortunate it is to be as member of the Walker family. Love Marvin."
"I am very thankful to have known Larry for 32 years. He is an amazing man who attended to me after I had heart surgery in 1986. He will truly be missed though his memory will last forever. I know he is now resting with God no more fires to fight, no more patrols and no soldiers to teach. Betty you performed your promise. RIP"
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Walker! I have worked with Larry for many years and the was one of the compassionate people I have had the pleasure to work with. He was very thoughtful and soft spoken. He had a amazing smile and spirit! God bless his family and friends that affected by his loss! He will be missed! Michele Hoosier"
"Larry was a very dear and fun friend. We were next door neighbors for the past 8 plus years. Any time we saw each other we usually would stop and talk. Conversations were always around Pacers or Colts or many of the people in the City we both new. There were always laughs and I always felt good after talking. Larry was a truly great friend and I will always miss him. I looked forward to the days when we both would be home more and be able to enjoy each others company. I also have enjoyed his lovely wife and daughters all the years. I am grateful they put up with me and my Doberman Kyle. I am sure I have said enough for now. Someday I will get to see Larry again. Until then goodbye for now dear friend."
"On behalf of the Société de Police - IPD Adam & Edward, condolences to the family and friends of Larry Stephen Walker, Sr., who served with distinction with the Indianapolis Fire Department over 45 years of active service and being promoted to the rank of captain there. During that same time period, Larry also served many years as an Indianapolis Police Reserve Officer and an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Reserve Officer earning the ranks of Sergeant in January 2003 and Lieutenant in June 2016. A great man by the name of Fred Rogers wrote: "You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully these choices can come from a deep sense of who you are." When I came upon his thought and reading, my feeling was how he surely must have known Larry or someone exactly like Larry to identify such observations. I feel very blessed to have been around in our time to be able to bear witness to all this one fellow who immersed his being in public safety efforts brought to bear and gained rewards for. Blessed with a beautiful wife and family, careers he totally was thrilled to be a part of and having the ability to give so much of himself to his community. I'm still in awe of this great fellow who will surely be missed by those he served with in such great capacity over his years of service. I pray Betty and the family know that Larry was surely a person of understanding. It was written that those who have lived a good life do not fear death, but meet it calmly, and even long for it in the face of great suffering. But those who do not have a peaceful conscience, dread death as though life means nothing but physical torment. The challenge is to live our lives so that we will be prepared for death when it comes. For our wonderful, life-contributing "Public Safety Servant," we pray: Eternal Rest, grant unto Larry Stephen Walker, Sr., Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. ~ The Life Of The Dead Is Placed In The Memory Of The Living ~ "